Home Blog Page 8

Allocate emergency budget for embankment repair in upcoming dry season

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka 17 October 2020: Today a virtual seminar titled “Demand Emergency Budget allocation in upcoming dry season to embankment repair & maintenance” is organized by COAST Trust and CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) where policy maker and local government representatives urged government to allocate emergency budget for embankment repairing due to damage by recent cyclone and flood across the country.

The seminar is chaired by Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation) and Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP (Member of Parliament) and the Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change as Chief Guest. Seminar is moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from COAST Trust and Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL, where Mr. Talukdar Abdul Khaleque (Mayor Khulna City Corporation), Mr. Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP, Cox’s Bazar-2, Mr. Nurunnabi Chowdhury MP, Bhola-3, Md. Monowar Hossain Chowdhury MP, Gaibandha-4, Mr. Dhirendra Nath Shambhu MP, Barguna-1, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary MP Gaibandha-1, many Union Parishad (UP) chairmen of affected areas from Cox’s Bazar, Satkhira, Khulna, Rangpur, Bhola and Gaibanddha district have participated and spoke.

In a key note presentation, Mr. Arif Dewan of COAST Trust said the latest cyclone Amphan and prolonged flood has been damage around 600 Kilometre embankment across the country along with BDT 75 billion economic losses. In this context, emergency repair is needed in upcoming dry season to avoid further devastation. He also shown that ensuring only 3.0% funding per year through national budget will cover necessary cost of climate resilient embankment construction in five year period. He made some demand regarding embankment construction and repair; (1) Government should allocate at least BDT 120 billion as emergency allocation for embankment construction in upcoming dry season, (2) Ensure necessary finance through national budget doing long term embankment management plan (3) Stop so called sub-contracting process and Local governments should be given mandate and budget for embankment maintenance,

Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said we have plan but not prioritized. We need an all parties parliamentary group to ahead the issue of embankment management strategy along with development issues. That will work with integrated approach and might result.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that due to lack sustainable embankment and river management policy, every year huge financial loss being happened in the name of embankment repair & construction. We need for a long term plan and explore how work with integrated approach engaging with ministries those are related with water & river management direct and indirectly.

M. Ziaul Hoque Mukta made some recommendation as WDB office and personnel should deployed in respected vulnerable area and district, rehabilitation of displaced people by taking especial measure due to river erosion and embankment failure, Repair & maintenance work must be implemented in dry season.

M. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, government should divided and declare national allocation into two part for construction and maintenance. So that maintenance cost can go to the local government and construction fund will be kept for WDB. So the timely maintenance will reduce the damage.

Mr. Talukdar Abdul Khaleque said Water logging is mainly caused by river siltation but embankment failure has been escalating the issue. So that government should consider both issues as long term solution. Budget must be placed in local government if proper output sought.

Mr. Dhirendra Nath Shambhu MP has emphasis to ensure transparency and accountability of WDB (Water development Board) in case of implementation at least. He also recommended to place fund as emergency basis for repairing damage embankments in upcoming dry season.

Monowar Hossain Chowdhury MP said that siltation from up streaming rivers are causing the erosion and embankment damage in northern districts and recent flood damage huge number of infrastructures. Planned action on dredging is important to save the people and asset.

Barrister Shamim Patwary MP said that around 5000-50000 people are being displaced every year due to river erosion and main cause of increasing poverty in northern districts. Current national budget is insufficient and need to increase finance even foreign support for protection of embankment and river erosion as long term basis.

Mr. Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP said, due to lack of appropriate design and construction by WDB, embankment doesn’t sustain in south east coastal areas especially in Cox’s Bazar district and people suffer. He urge for appropriate embankment design based on the soil structure and geological difference in coastal areas. Mr. Nurunnabi Chowdhury MP demanded effective and sustainable embankment design and implementation to save Bhola district from river erosion as this district situated in the mouth of Bay of Bangle and continue facing erosion. Download [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation]

Speedy Trial Law is Must to Fight the Violence Against Women

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka, 14 October 2020. The National Committee for the Observation of the International Rural Women’s Day organized a virtual press conference today on the eve of the International Rural Women’s Day. The day is going to be observed tomorrow. At the press conference, it was said that, rural women are neglected, their contribution is not recognized. Therefore, rural women are more likely to be vulnerable to discrimination and oppression. All forms of violence against women, especially violations against rural women, have increased during the COVID19 period. The way violence against women, especially rural women, is on the rise as a shadow epidemic in the COVID pandemic, the days ahead will become more insecured if it is not socially prevented along with legal action. We have to ensure the rights and dignity that every woman deserves. Also, all sorts of violence against women must be dealt with speedy trial law.

According to the organizers, International Rural Women’s Day is being celebrated in over 50 districts of the country. Like every year, the day is being celebrated across the country through various events and various programs including awarding honors to rural women for their contribution in various fields. They also said that since 2000, various voluntary and development organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh have been celebrating Rural Women’s Day with their own funds. It is to be noted that EquityBD is acting as the secretariat of the National Committee for the Celebration of International Rural Women’s Day.

Salma Sabiha of COAST Trust presented the keynote on behalf of the organizers at the press conference chaired by Shamima Akhtar, Chairperson of the National Committee for the Observation of the International Rural Women’s Day, while Mustafa Kamal Akand, Coordinator of the Secretariate of the National Committee, moderated the conference. National Committee Member Ferdous Ara Rumi, Masuda Faruk Ratna of Gram Bikash Sangstha, Pratibha Banerjee from BNNRC, Manjushree Saha from Rangpur, Swapan Kumar Guha of Rupantar, Akbar Hossain of Rangpur Pratibondhi Sangstha, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Trust, Sabrina Akhtar of Wise, Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNRC also spoke at the press conference.

In her keynote address, Salma Sabiha said, we need social initiative along with legal actions. All women should call the hotline number (10921) of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs to seek protection and services from violence. There should be awareness and campaign among women so they can easily get services from the National Emergency Number 999 and Prevention of Violence Against Women and Child Marriage Number 109. The government should plan a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy on any kind of violence against women. She added that 98% of women have lost their jobs because of the direct impact of COVID-19, who are mainly domestic workers, cleaners, garment workers, and temporary workers in the construction sector, only 8.50% received the wages/salary of March. In March alone, there were 64 incidents of rape and over 300 cases of domestic violence in Bogra, Jamalpur, and Cox’s Bazar districts. In April, 4,249 women were victims of various forms of violence, the lion’s share of whom were rural women.

Ferdous Ara Rumi said, the patriarchic mentality of men is mainly responsible for the inferior position of women in society. It is not possible to bring equality to women without eliminating discrimination and violence against women. The most horrific and heinous form of violence against women is rape. According to the Ain o Shalish Kendro, there were 975 rapes in August alone. Moreover, an average of 111 women is raped every month. Most of them are rural women and children.

Shamima Akhter said, we should take joint efforts to address the barriers of rural women. We will stand by women in the violence against women during the COVID-19 period.

Manjushree Saha said, the contribution of rural women in development is immense. Especially in agriculture. Building resistance to violence against rural women is not the only issue. Everyone, including the public representatives and the local government, have to work together.

Masuda Farooq Ratna said, the overall development of women is not possible leaving rural women behind. Even among rural women, physically challenged and mentally handicapped women and children are more vulnerable to violence. We need to think about them especially. She also said that, rural women should be developed and brought into the mainstream to celebrate International Women’s Day together. Press Release [Bangla] [English]

Arresting Illicit Capital Flight must be the Priority in Domestic Resource Mobilization : Civil society right group urged and criticize “crony capitalism” in relation

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka 24 June 2020: Today EquityBD, a network of right based civil society, labor and farmer organizations, organized a virtual press conference to give reactions on budget 2020-21 titled “Stopping Illicit Capital Flight Should be Highest Priority in Domestic Resource Mobilization”. The speakers expressed concern on the enhanced trend of illicit capital flight, black money, and default loan of the country. They also urged for earning more revenue by tackling illicit financial flows rather than dependence on tax specially VAT as indirect tax and bank loan. The virtual press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD while the positon paper is presented by Ahsanul Karim of COAST Trust. Among others Sayed Aminul Haque and Ferdous Ara Rumee of EquityBD; Dr. Kazi Maaruful Islam, Professor Development Studies, Dhaka University; Aamanur Rahman from CARE Bangladesh; Prodip Kumar Roy from CSRL spoken in the occasion.

Keynote speaker Md. Ahasanul Karim mentioned that the goverment has declared 5,68,000 crore budget for 2020-21 where deficit budget is Tk.1,90,000 crore and that’s why govt. is heavily depending on tax collection specially the VAT (value added tax) an indirect tax and bank loan. On the other hand government is not giving emphasis on tackling illicit financial flow from where huge revenue could be collected As per Washington-based Global Financial Integrity (GFI) March 2020 report, a total of Tk.4,48,000 crore had been siphoned off Bangladesh during 2008-2014 and yearly average 64,000 crore through corruption, bribery, trade miss-invoicing and tax evasion. This amount is more than two times of allocated Padma Bridge or two years of health budget. He also urged (i) Government should show zero tolerance to the corruption, bank looting, earning black money and illicit fund transfer, (ii) Inter-governmental agreement to be signed with different countries e.g. with Switzerland to exchange bank transaction information of Bangladeshi people as well as foreigners those are working in Bangladesh and take legal initiatives to return back the money, (iii) Govt. should replicate different Indian initiatives e.g., demonetization, to arrest black money (vi) Publishing White Paper to disclose on financial plundering and money siphoned off from Bangladesh by different businessmen, politicians and whose name came in different newspapers including in Panama papers.

Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka University said, these are little of effort being observed from state to arrest corruption and siphoning of money, beneficiaries are some high government employees, businessmen, politicians and engineers, whole state of affairs is like a system of “crony capitalism”.

Amanur Rahman of CARE Bangladesh said that while government has lot of rules especially in respect of bank transaction, but hardly able to imply those on rich people. He criticized recent government circular on 100 % foreign investment in e-commerce.

Syed Aminul Haque of COAST said that government should not allow investing black money to the share market and in property purchase. Fardous Ara Rumee of COAST said that tax and process should be made easy so that it will support women empowerment and women entrepreneurs.

The moderator Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST said that it is the poor garment workers and immigrant Bangladeshi workers hard earned foreign currency being siphoned from the country, which is defeat on principles of liberation war and a set back from re-distributive justice. Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation][Position Paper]
Photos

Newspaper Link

Protect coastal people, allocate for embankment under local govt. : Local govt. representatives and civil society in a post budget virtual seminar

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka 13 June 2020: A virtual seminar titled “National budget 2020-2021, embankment and protection of coastal population” is organized by COAST Trust and CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) today. Dr Qazi Kholliquzzaman, Chairman of PKSF (Polli Karma Sohayak Foundation) chaired the seminar and Mr Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP (Member of Parliament) and the Chair Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change was the Chief Guest. Mr Aktheruzzaman Babu MP of Khulna was the Special Guest of the seminar moderated by Mr Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST. Six Union Parishad Chairmen from Sathkira, Khulna, Golachipa, Charfassion and Kutubdia upazilas also spoke in the online seminar. Other prominent speakers are Mr. Ziaul Haque Mukta of CSRL, Mr. Shameem Arefin of AOSED, Mr. Shamsuddoha of CPRD, Mr Rafiqul Islam of DUS, Dr Mahbuba Nasreen, Dean of Dhaka University.

Mr. Arif Dewan of COAST said in his Keynote presentation that despite of the destruction of cyclone Amphan, government hardly allocated incremental finance for embankment to save coastal people and their crops to promote coastal economy. This will increase further poverty in the coastal belt.

Keynote presentations and participants of the virtual seminar demanded the following; (1) Allocate at least BDT 120 billion per year only for embankment construction, (2) Local governments should be given mandate and budget for embankment construction and maintenance while WDB (Water Development Board) will provide design, monitoring and technical support. (3) Army should be deployed immediately to reconstruct the embankment in worst affected areas like Kutubdia and Koyra, (4) Plan to construct embankment in remote islands where poor people live and are exposed to disaster, (5) Consider other socio-economic issues like salinity management, appropriate dredging and viable economic activities alongside embankment to make coastal areas resilient to climate.

Md. Akhteruzzaman Babu MP said that due to lack of appropriate design and construction by WDB since cyclone Aila, Khulna and Satkhira area are fully unprotected now. Emergency embankment to be built in the area.

Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP said that, there were pre-Apmhan activities to save the lives but we must go for a long term plan on construction and sustainable management of embankment. These should be a priority issue for the “8th Five Year Plan”. He added, such activities should be led by local government with the participation of local people.

Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said government need to follow the Sri Lankan model i.e, coastal afforestation in the either sides of embankments. This could be beneficial for both protection of the embankment and riverine and brackish water fishery resources.

Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman advised to government to make priority of coastal embankment construction led by local government and make it free from construction.
[Position Paper] [Presentation] [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Seminar Video] [Letter to MPs on CSO Demand for Coastal Embankment following National Budget 2020]
Photos

The Sacrifice of the Language Martyrs to Light Our Way

By
equitybd
-

Equitybd observes the International Mother Language Day today in its working areas to pay the profound honor to the Martyrs of 1952 who sacrificed their lives to bring back Bangla as the Mother Language of Bangladesh. The then President of Pakistan announced Urdu to be the official language of Bangladesh that was a suppression and the students of Dhaka University along with the general people of the country came out to protest the imposed decision. They wanted to say a simple urge that without the mother language we hardly can express our thoughts and expression in the best way.

The spirit of our liberation in 1971 stands on four basic principles i.e. democracy, socialism, nationalism and secularism and this was emerged out the sacrifice of the language martyrs of 1952. Giving space to everyone in the society irrespective of class, race, religion and political ideologies was the core idea of this International Mother Language Day.

Equitybd pledged to promote the freedom of speech for everyone in the society believing Democracy and tolerance is the key to achieve this. And to take this oath, 21 February is the best time.

Photos​

 

Civil Society demands decentralized management in water development board : Accountability to the Local government is necessary for sustainable embankment management

By
equitybd
-

Today 12 January 2020, in a seminar, civil society organizations have urged government to decentralize budgetary resource for sustainable Embankment repair & management in coastal area. They also demand to involve community and local government engagement for effective management & maintenance of embankment that’s already proofed as low cost, save public resources and sustainable in long term perspective.

Seminar was chaired by Dr. Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, Chairman-PKSF, moderated by M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Trust and Key note presented by Mr. Arif Dewan from same organization. The seminar also participated by Advocate Faridul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman Kutubdia Upazila, Md. Sahiduddin, Chairman-Barghop Union Kutubdia, Md. Abdur Rouf-Chairman Kasimari Union, Shamnagar Khulna, Mr. Asik Elahi-President Climate Forum, Shamnagar Khulna, Md. Rafiqul Alam and Shamsul Islam from Hatya and Swandip. Apart many CSOs from grassroots and climate network form different parts of coastal areas spoke on the issues.

Presenting the key note, Arif Dewan said that, lack of essential embankment, people lose their livelihood opportunities in coastal areas and migrating to the cities that creating a new type of hazards for the country. He also criticize that despite WDB (Water Development Board) is a responsible authority for constructing coastal embankment but hardly aligned their mandate addressing the climate change needs and protecting coastal people. He demand a decentralized WDB process at least that ensure (i). A reportable relationship with upazila (sub-district) administration for their work and accountability, (ii). Wider and non-partisan community participation process in planning, implementation and maintenance and (iii). Budget should be allocated directly to upazila and even union level. So that local authorities will be capable for instant decision making and implementation. Such a decentralization will also helping for resource mobilization. Arif Dewan has presented two case study on low cost appropriate technology in respect of construction and maintenance of embankement with local resource mobilization and community participation.

Mr. Asik Elahi said that the pattern and cause of embankment damage is different base on the location in coastal belt east and west part and need to take plan and action accordingly. He demand to form “Coastal development Board” for better coordination to construction and maintenance of embankment. Mr. Shahiduddin, Chairman said that embankment design and planning are prepared centrally based on just hydrological study that has hardly relation with local situation. It should be changed, and it has to be prepared with community participation, as community has the appropriate knowledge. It is also been proved that with local resource mobilization local people constructed the embankment with appropriate technology and also with low cost and did it in quickest possible time. Advocate Faridul Islam, the Upazila chairman said that, we experiencing community engaged embankment management and maintenance as very low cost and instant implementation whereas WDB maintenance especially their tender and contracting approach is very complicated and uncertain in respect of timing for implementation. So that WBD shouldn’t keep the maintenance issue to their hand and need to delegate to local government authorities.

Md. Rafiqul Alam opine to WDB weakness of improper maintenance that causes suffering of people due to reducing height of embankment and prolonged water logging in the different part of coastal areas. He urged to address the issue and request to design the embankment participatory and appropriate height following climate change context. Dr. Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed said we have done long term plan despite limited resources, but we have to build this with piecemeal approach from now. If the WDB is accountable to local government then it will also ensure participation of local resources with the people’s idea of appropriate technology. He also supported the formation of Coastal Development Board for better Sectoral coordination.
Please download related paper [Position Paper] [Presentation] [Bangla Press Release] [English Press Release] [short video]
Photos

Civil Society criticized CoP 25 Outcome as it serves polluters Interest: Bangladesh should lead Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2020 Glasgow Climate Conference

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka, 04 January 2020, in a press conference today, Civil Society climate advocacy networks have criticized the CoP 25 outcome as frustrated, as the negotiation loosed the trust of MVCs (Most Vulnerable Country) & LDCs (Least Developed Countries) also in fact work and served the polluters interest. They made recommendation to Bangladesh government to lead the CVF (Climate Vulnerable Forum) in next climate conference in Glasgow in Dec 2020, as our Prime Minister has elected recently as “Chair” of the CVF. They also opined that, the government needs to set her climate change strategies (especially Adaptation Strategies) with her own capacity and resources.
The press conference titled “Madrid Climate Conference and Civil Society Observations” is moderated by M. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Trust and EquityBD, where Dr. Atiq Rahaman of BCAS (Bangladesh Centre for Advance Study), Md. Ziaul Hoque Mukta from CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), Md. Shamsuddoha from CPRD (Center for Participatory Research & Development), Md. Motahar Hossen of BCJF (Bangladesh Climate Journalist Forum) spoke in the event. The key note presented by Syed Aminul Hoque from COAST Trust.
In the key note presentation, Aminul Hoque said that the negotiation in CoP 25 in Madrid was the longest in history, but ended with a deadlock and disappointment over most of the important issues. Major emitters failed to show how they plan to increase ambition by 2020 and broken their promises to long term finance that was much expected by MVCs and LDCs. Finalization of the Paris agreement Rulebook is yet to be completed. The existing deep divide and contentious between developed and vulnerable countries might hamper the next negotiation in 2020 and deeper the crisis towards a solution. So that the government have to consider it critically and will have to take initiative accordingly in next climate conference (CoP 26) that will be held in Glasgow in Dec 2020.
Dr. Atiq said that the politics and fossil-fuel interests taking place above people and the planet. These are played by the United States, Japan, Australia and Brazil, once again exposed their lack of goodwill to save the millions of vulnerable, which is a willful rejection to the science.
Ziual Hoque Mukta said that due to connivance between rich and some advance developing countries, we have loosed the CBDR (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities) principle in Paris Agreement (PA) which has weaken the negotiation capacity of MVCs (Most Vulnerable Countries) that turned the PA into non-binding in implementation. He also added government to explore separate forum under MVCs in next conference.
Md. Shamsuddoha said that the negotiation is succeeded in a sense that, developing countries didn’t compromise with many critical issues especially reporting on reducing GHGs (Green House Gases), warring the fact of double counting of GHG reduction and WIM (Warsaw International Mechanism) review and governance. So that, there are opportunity to take effective preparation for government engaging CSO (Civil Society), academicians & experts for a broader advocacy. There should be linked with the UK based CSOs in this regard for an effective outcome in CoP 26 in Glasgow.
Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper]
Photos

Newslink

CSO Expressed Deep Concern over ongoing contentious on CoP 25 Negotiation Outcome : Disagreement of Developed Countries on Long-Term Financing Commitment is Unaccepted

By
equitybd
-

Today December 12 2019, Civil Society representatives from MVCs (Most Vulnerable Countries) and LDCs (Least Developed Countries) have meet a press conference in CoP-25 climate summit and criticize the negotiation process very frustrated as their developed countries inclined or showing an inclination to continue putting dispute or disagreement on logical and real global wishes issues those are set under Paris Agreement i.e. enhanced and ambitious HGH (Green House Gases) reduction goal, long term financing (LTF), setting an appropriate work plan for management of Loss and Damage issue under WIM (Warsaw International Mechanism).

The Press conference titled “LDC’s & MVC Peoples’ expectations and CoP 25” held at CoP 25 press conference center in Madrid where representatives of different CSO leader like; Mr. Sunil Acharya, LDC Negotiator-Nepal, Mrs, Vidya Dinker-President, Indian Social Action Forum, India, Mr. Suporna Lahiri, Climate (Advisor-Global Forest Coalition) India, Md. Shamsuddoha, Executive Director CPRD and Md. Ziaul Hoque Mukta CSRL (Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) fro are participated and spoke. The key note is presented by Aminul Hoque (EquityBD) from Bangladesh in favor of South Asian CSOs.

Presenting of key note, Aminul Hoque said that the ongoing performance and progress on CoP 25 negotiation is frustrated for us and there have no particular text and decision being finalized yet in the meeting of “Head of Delegations” already held towards implementing the Paris Agreement. He put four demand in favor of South Asian CSOs and called for urgent decision in CoP 25. The demands are i. As a response measure under Paris Agreement Developed Countries must increase the GHG reduction target and scale up its implementation, ii. No false solution would be arbitrated by Developed countries to vulnerable countries and LDCs in the name of “Market Mechanism and Cooperation, rather developed countries will take measure in their own country for GHG reduction, iii. Long term finance is an “Obligatory Responsibility” of rich countries as they were agreed as collective goal on mobilizing 100bln US$ finance prior to 2025 and onward that to be channelized without delay and iv. Developed countries must support to setting up an appropriate long term work plan with dedicated financial support for WIM to ensue need of vulnerable countries for managing Loss & Damage.

Sunil Acharya reiterated the LTF as an extremely important and only platform within the PA and its Convention that dealt with finance at a macro level, including dealing with both the technical and political levels. So that, we do not ready to see the LTF coming to an end by year 2020 rather it must be accomplished by 2030 according to the period of PA run at least.

Md. Shamsuddoha opined that this is a key opportunity for ministers and heads of delegation to engage on loss and damage. We think that the WIM review is a centerpiece for vulnerable countries, and prepare for a strong outcome on this issue at COP25. He also urge to take a positive and strong role by Standing Committee on Finance (SCF, that work on financial issue under Paris Agreement) for a separate financial mechanism to implementing Loss and damage related work plan.

Souparna Lahiri said that we can’t sold our people and their livelihood in the name Carbon trade and so called market mechanism and international cooperation. It’s a false proposal from developed countries that need to stop through raise our voice from all corner of vulnerable and developing countries.
Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English press] [Position Paper]
Photos

Newslink

Civil Society meets prior to the Third South Asian Forum on SDG in Dhaka: South Asian Civil Society emphasize on understanding the SDG to achieve it

By
equitybd
-

Dhaka, 8 December 2019: Diversified CSO (Civil Society Organizations) met in a dialogue in Dhaka on 7th December 2019 prior to the Third South Asian Forum on SDG to be held in Bangladesh and raised issues to complement the government positions. CSO representatives said SDG should be well understood first by the people as well as by the business community and the political leaders, otherwise the goals will be difficult to achieve.
The dialogue was jointly organized by Asia Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism (AP-RCEM) and COAST Trust at the CIRDAP auditorium where CSO representatives from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh participated. Due to the visa issues some participants from Afghanistan and Pakistan couldn’t participate. Mr. Chrispin Petro Kapinga, Social Affairs Officer, UN-ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office of New Delhi was also present as the guest in the dialogue.
On behalf of AP-RCEM Mr. Daya Sagar Shrestha of National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal said in his inaugural speech, the commitments of governments and international institutions on peace, human rights, governance and development should be immediately fulfilled to achieve the SDG.
In his speech Mr. Chrispin Petro Kapinga of UN-ESCAP said, UN is always facilitating the LDCs to build their capacities in order to achieve the 2030 development agendas and goals.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST said, CSO in Bangladesh and in many under developed countries are very important actors of achieving the SD goals and popularizing the issues at national levels and it should be recognized by the governments.
Ms. Beena Pallical from Asia Dalit Rights Forum, India said in her speech that it is always said ‘no one will be left behind’ but the reality is agenda of people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, women and dalit communities are always forgotten.
Ms. Chandima Priyeshni Arambepola, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Sri Lanka said, we need to build regional cooperation not only by the governments but also by the CSOs to address the real issues, needs and challenges of the development rather than to give priority to mega-infrastructure projects.
Ferdous Ara Rumee of COAST Trust said, there is a lack of women participation in Bangladesh as well as other countries in South Asia in the DRR when women are the most affected by the disasters.
Photos

Newslink

CSO of Vulnerable Countries demand Urgent Action by developed countries to 1.50C temp goal: Implementation guideline of Paris Agreement under UNFCCC is also demanded

By
equitybd
-

COP25, Madrid, 05 December 2019: Civil Society leaders of MVC (Most Vulnerable Countries) in a press conference arranged today inside the COP25 venue demanded Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Target as urgent action by developed countries to reduce the Green House Gases (GHGs) to keep global warming rise below 1.5 degree Celsius. CSO leaders also opposed any attempt of false solution and demanded to develop the implementation guideline of Article-6 (Market Mechanism for reducing GHGs) of Paris Agreement under UNFCCC Process instead of bi-lateral which being offered by developed countries.
The Press conference titled “LDC & MVC Peoples’ expectations and CoP 25” held at the meeting room of climate conference center, Madrid where representatives of different CSO leaders Mr. Sanjay Vashist (Coordinator-Climate Action Network- South Asia), Mr. Hemantha Withanage (Executive Director-Center for Climate Justice, Sri Lanka), Mr. Atle Solberg (Head of Coordination- Platform of Disaster Displacement-PDD, Geneva), Ms. Chirrine Lebbaine from France, Mr. Soumya Dutta from India and Md. Ziaul Hoque Mukta CSRL (Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihood) participated and spoke. The key demand is presented by Syed Aminul Hoque (EquityBD) from Bangladesh.
Presenting the key demand, Aminul Hoque said that the COP-25 is being held at a crucial, historical and in a transitional stage. 2020 is literally around the corner. This is the year in which Parties’ pre-2020 actions under the Convention are supposed to conclude and needed to set a solid foundation for future climate actions for all Parties followed the Paris Agreement (PA). Following the context, he urged developed countries to revise and enhance their NDCs as urgent action in reducing GHGs based on the IPPC 1.5 degree strategy and also followed by the Article 4.4 under Paris Agreement which called take lead to mitigation efforts by developed country parties.
Sanjay Vashist said that the developed countries have been throwing their ill efforts to establish the clause “Article 6.2” of Paris Agreement (so called Carbon or Emission trading from MVC) which in fact create pressure to the MVC and even for developing countries to adopt mitigation action in place of their adaptation priorities which is not expected. He demand the necessary arrangements under Article 6.8 of the PA instead Article 6.2 that go beyond emissions trading to effective non-market approaches to facilitate scaled-up the cooperation on emissions reductions and enhanced climate resilience.
Atle Solberg expressed his deep concern on displacement that’s happening in MVC due to climate change impacts. He expect WIM (Warsaw International Mechanism of Loss & Damage) become an effective mechanism and duly operational with separate mandate of action plan under the Convention and its PA in addressing the needs of MVCs for enhanced action & support including separate financing with technology transfer mechanism in relation to loss and damage, Displacement & Migration issues.

Hemantha Withanage criticized GCF replenishment pledge amounting USD 9.7 billion, because of its mismatch with MVCs need for their climate actions”. He expect that the developed countries will significantly address the climate threats of MVCs and LDCs in CoP25 and ensure their clear cut commitment for US$ 100 billion per year financial support as well.
Please download documents [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper]
Newslink
1...789...48Page 8 of 48

Latest Campaign

Civil society urges for immediate unconditional cancellation of Illegitimate loans

0
Call for action on the eve of the International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Spain Civil society urges for immediate unconditional cancellation of...

Civil Society calls for laundered money back to achieve SDGs

Climate allocation only 0.67% of GDP; Unacceptable and Inadequate

Protect the Coastal Areas, Allocate 3% of GDP in the Budget...

Civil Society for Self-Funded Plans for Disaster Resilience, No to Debt...

© Copyright || EquityBD - 2019